A CHURCH in Earley is celebrating the opening of its new building with afternoon tea.
Brookside Church has refurbished and improved its premises and is now pleased to be able to share them with the community.
It has planned an informal event to thank God and the churches and individuals who have contributed to the project.
Visitors will be able to find out more about the church and meet some of the people who will be using the new premises.
The work has involved a complete refurbishment, with new toilet and kitchen facilities, a cafe and relaxation area and a new worship space.
Steve Prince, team leader and pastor at the church said:
“We want our building to feel like ‘coming home’, a space where people can feel secure and relaxed.
The building work was half completed just before the first lock-down of the pandemic.
While the building was empty, during covid, the church took the opportunity to finish the work.
When restrictions lifted, the building was ready to house various groups and projects for the wider community.
Continues Steve:
“It was really inspiring to come back out of lock-down and have our new building up and ready to use.”
“We already have groups for young and old.
“Our Baby Space for babies and their carers, came out of the pandemic because young babies were missing out on socialising.”
“The building is also used by a choir, a Thursday youth project, and a group to combat loneliness called The Open Door, which attracts around 20 to 30 older people each week.”
The money for the refurbishment has come partly from trusts and partly from the generosity of the congregation.
“It’s taken about five years to get here, ” says Steve, “and the project has cost around half a million pounds to complete.
“We’re delighted to be able to celebrate the opening of the building.
“We’re already using it for joint community projects such as Earley Help Hub, and Torch Across Reading, which works in partnership with medical services.
“People love the new building.”
The informal opening takes place at Brookside Church, Brookside Close, Earley on Saturday, September 10.
The event starts at 2pm.
For more information about Brookside Church, log on to: www.brooksidechurch.org.uk email: info@brooksidechurch.org.uk or call the church office on: 0118 966 4474
